Insight to Life and Real Estate in Vail, Colorado

Slifer Smith & Frampton Named in REAL Trends ‘Top 500’ Report

2011-07-06T16:51:00.001-06:00

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate (SSFRE) has been named the 65 largest real estate company in the country based on sales volume in the REAL Trends Top 500 Report recognizing the nation’s highest-producing real estate companies. The company produced 1,309 transaction “sides” representing sales volume of $1,371,868,349 in 2010 to qualify for this prestigious list of the country’s top 500 real estate firms. SSFRE has 24 offices and over 140 brokers covering the Vail Valley and Summit County.

SSFRE was also recognized as the number two firm in the country based on Firms Ranked by Sales Volume Per Broker.

In addition, the firm’s global network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, once again was named the highest-producing network in terms of total sales for 2010 among this elite top 500 group of companies.

The 97 LeadingRE affiliate firms on the Top 500 list produced 551,832 sales “sides” in 2010 totaling sales volume of $142.4 billion, over 30 percent more transactions than the closest competitor, Coldwell-Banker, with 415,540 units and 60 firms on the list.

The power of local branding was further emphasized with #1 market share rankings for the nation’s top 96 markets. In that portion of the study, LeadingRE members ranked first in the market in 40% of the cities, compared to 24% and 11% for the next two networks.

The Top 500 report was released recently at the REAL Trends “Gathering of Eagles” annual conference. This third-party survey is widely recognized as the leading study of its kind.

“We take great pride in these results,” comments Jim Flaum, President and Managing Broker, “particularly given the challenges of today’s economy. These numbers demonstrate that savvy consumers are recognizing the opportunities that exist in the resort market today due to incredible values and the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in many years, and our brokers are performing at very high levels to meet the needs of these clients.”

The affiliates of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® produced total 2010 sales of 800,000 valued at $225 billion.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate has been the most trusted name in Colorado mountain real estate since 1962.

The Low-Down on 2011 Real Estate Activity

2011-07-05T13:48:00.001-06:00

There has been strong activity on homes selling for under $500,000 this year. Properties selling for $500,000 or less have accounted for 57% of all transactions in May, and 54% year-to-date. There have been 227 transactions under $500,000 year-to-date through May, of which 92 have been bank sales.

Eagle County also had 8 transactions with a sales price of $4 million or more in May. The highest residential sales were sold in Vail; a Chalets at Lodge at Vail selling for $12.5 million, and an $8.15 million property selling at One Vail Road.

With a combination of the numerous properties under $500,000 and the high end transactions, Eagle County’s overall average sale price is $996,244.

New Development Update through May:

Westin: 5 Transactions Avg. Price; $659,000 $741 PPSF
Solaris: 5 Transactions Avg. Price; $6,567,420 $2,407 PPSF
Arrabelle: 2 Transactions Avg. Price; $2,680,000 $1,574 PPSF
Ascent: 32 Transactions Avg. Price; $595,625 $389 PPSF

Average sales price for Eagle County Real Estate is $1 million

2011-04-07T14:40:00.003-06:00

From Land Title Guarantee Company:

The February real estate numbers for Eagle County had 82 transactions and just over $82 million in dollar volume, creating an overall average sales price of $1 million. These numbers remain on pace with 2010.

While 45% of all transactions are still being sold for under $500,000, there were 5 transactions over $5 million that helped catapult our average sales price for the county to the $1 million figure. Bachelor Gulch had one sale in February selling for $8.9 million. Solaris in Vail Village continues to sell at an average price of more than $7 million with 3 sales in 2011 totaling $22 million. The Ascent is also playing a large role in the 2011 statistics with 19 sales totaling $10 million; the Ascent units are averaging $362 a square foot.

Avon was the area with the most transactions in February with 18. There were 6 sales in Vail Village accounting for 80% of the total dollar volume in Eagle County.

Manners Are Free, Use Them

2011-04-05T10:48:00.004-06:00

Yep. "Manners are free, use them." How great is that? It's simple but packs a big punch. I have my son Andrew (and his first grade teacher) to thank for that special statement and reminder! :) Passing the buck to you to pay it forward....

March Madness

2011-04-04T14:47:00.004-06:00

I was raised in Indiana and therefore have a soft-spot for basketball and all things March Madness. However, the madness I refer to here has to do with real estate activity... This past March, my colleagues and I at Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate wrote a whopping $130.6M in real estate contracts. Compare that to $89.2M in March 2010 and $31.7M in March 2009 and I think you'll agree that the market here is much improved. Inventory is limited, interest rates remain low and prices are reduced and stable.

Hard at Work or Hardly Working?

2011-03-22T12:52:00.003-06:00

Check out today's article in the Vail Daily:
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/2011110329966

Not only do I SELL The Ascent Residences, I sometimes fill other roles as well... Like play an "extra" for a photo shoot featuring new owners. Meet my new friends, Tim and Kim Muffley and take a glimpse of their good life. Despite selling 32 of the 49 residences,the Muffleys have The Ascent to themselves most of the time. Join them?!

THE ASCENT Update

2011-02-07T14:48:00.007-07:00

Pictured here, alongside myself: the infamous Rod Slifer, Jim Flaum, managing broker for SSF and Lissa Tyler, my listing-partner-in-crime at THE ASCENT. Don't just take our word for it that THE ASCENT offers good living and great value. With nearly 30 contracts in less than 30 days, we believe the success speaks for itself. Plenty of attractive inventory remains! Call today to get your great deal.

2010 vs. 2009

2011-02-06T13:29:00.005-07:00

What a difference a year can make! 2010 finishes the year well above 2009.

Statistics and information provided by my friends at Land Title Guarantee Company:

Eagle County ended the year with 1,250 transactions, a 33% increase over 2009. Eagle County had nearly $1.5 billion in dollar volume in 2010, a 67% increase over last year.

While 41% of all transactions had a sales price of less than $500,000, there were 60 sales over $4 million which helped create the second highest average price-per-sale ever at $1,197,738; only 2008 was higher with an average price of $1,391,605.

New developments made a large contribution to the overall numbers in 2010. The following is a summary of sales in some of the larger new projects in the county:

• Westin: $47,375,600 Gross Volume, $570,790 AVG PPU, $650 AVG PPSF, with 83 Sales in 2010
• Solaris: $124,821,800 Gross Volume, $6,934,544 AVG PPU, $2,462 AVG PPSF, with 18 Sales in 2010
• Arrabelle: $38,830,000 Gross Volume, $3,530,000 AVG PPU, $1,351 AVG PPSF, with 11 Sales in 2010
• Ritz: $42,486,000 Gross Volume, $3,034,714 AVG PPU, $1,379 AVG PPSF, with 14 Sales in 2010 (This does not include the bulk sale of 45 Units for $110,890,000)

Single Family homes accounted for 34% of all transactions in 2010. The average price went down 4% from 2009 to $1.26 million in 2010.

There were 599 high-end condominium projects/multifamily homes that sold in 2010 accounting for 48% of the total sales, with an average sales price of $1.15 million. This is up $250,000 per sale over 2009.

The Ascent near Beaver Creek just put 26 units under contract by slashing prices 55% from the real estate peak in 2007.

2011-01-13T15:20:00.002-07:00

Read here for full story:

http://coloradoindependent.com/71691/mountain-real-estate-crash-breaks-records-set-during-1980s-energy-bust

WSJ: Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise

2011-01-10T16:53:00.004-07:00

WSJ reports:
"Sales in many vacation communities across the U.S. soared last year to levels not seen since boom times, driven by deep discounts, cash purchases and buyers' rising stock portfolios."

This is definitely the case in our local real estate markets!

THE ASCENT

2010-11-15T07:24:00.003-07:00

Comfortable, chic and convenient sound good to you? THE ASCENT Residences will be on the market SOON. 49 condominiums at the base of Beaver Creek ski resort will be available for purchase mid-December at prices starting in the mid-$300,000's. For more information, visit http://www.theascentresidences.com/ and sign up for updates.

Vail Daily goes Mobile

2010-10-07T14:37:00.001-06:00

The Vail Daily has launched a mobile site to keep you informed when you are out of town or on the go!

Vail Daily is mobile! VailDaily.com

Summarizing September

2010-10-05T14:30:00.005-06:00

September was sunny and hot outside AND in our real estate offices!

For the month of September, SSF wrote $81 million in real estate contracts in the Vail Valley. The majority of those contracts were in the $1-3 million price range. Not too shabby for the "off-season." Thinking of buying? Now is a greater time than ever....

Avon's Gates development changes hands | VailDaily.com

2010-10-04T17:28:00.000-06:00

Big news for the Town of Avon!

Avon's Gates development changes hands VailDaily.com

Fall

2010-09-27T16:08:00.008-06:00

The Vail Valley is exploding with color! Take a minute to enjoy this special time of the year. As Robert Frost so wisely determined, the road less traveled makes all the difference.

Red Sky Ranch to host College Golf

2010-09-26T12:08:00.006-06:00

Here is your chance to see some of the best college golfers in the country! Golfweek is hosting their Women's Conference Challenge at Red Sky Golf Club September 26-28. I for one, will be out there cheering on the girls and checking out the gorgeous fall foliage. Go Big Ten!

Welcome to Arrowhead

2010-03-01T10:10:00.006-07:00

Arrowhead.....the best kept secret on Beaver Creek Mountain to enjoy peace and quiet, intermediate cruisers and down-valley sunny skies. Not to mention the bang-for-your-buck factor when considering real estate: two-bedroom condos at the base of the mountain start at $619,000.

Work Hard, Play Hard

2010-02-24T11:35:00.013-07:00

In addition to working hard to contribute to our real estate market's turnaround, I have also been making efforts to induldge in the lifestyle that I sell daily to my customers and clients.

What a difference a year makes! My boys are skiing independent of my assistance and we have been having a ball ripping up the kiddie terrain at Beaver Creek.

I rave to my clients all of the time about what a fantastic resort Beaver Creek is for families. And after spending the past few weekends there with my boys, I am a renewed believer and will continue to encourage my clients to consider it! From the Buckaroo Express Gondola, to the gentle Haystack Meadow Chairlift, to the discounted "beginner" lift tickets, to the apres ski free chocolate chip cookies... We LOVE the BEAV!

2009-10-11T15:50:00.000-06:00

Happy Fall!

Show Me the Money....in Edwards

2009-07-16T15:20:00.004-06:00

(The following excerpt is from the Vail Daily):

Looking for a “sugar daddy” or “sugar mama”? According to Money magazine, Edwards, Colorado might be the place to be. In it's annual lists of “best places,” Edwards was rated the sixth best places for the rich and single. The list was compiled based on the percentage of single, young professionals, median family income and desirability of the area.

Read more here:
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090714/NEWS/907139952&parentprofile=search

Interested in Edwards real estate? Call me! I'm proud to call Edwards home and would love to share my knowledge with you.

Vail Board of Realtors Ambassador's Luncheon

2009-07-16T14:59:00.006-06:00

The Vail Board of Realtors hosted our annual Ambassador's Luncheon earlier this month honoring past Board Chairs and Realtors of the Year.

L to R: Laurie Ganz (VBR), Molly (SSF), Jim Flaum (SSF), Rick Cook (Pru), Bob Finlay (Pru)

L to R: Matt Fitzgerald (SSF), Trevor Thelke (Land Title), Me (SSF)

Thanks for Vista Restaurant in Arrowhead for delicious food, friendly service and a beautiful setting!

Vail Mountain Announces 2009-2010 Winter Season Operating Dates

2009-07-15T14:57:00.001-06:00

Upcoming season will mark the 10th anniversary of Blue Sky Basin
VAIL, Colo. – July 13, 2009 – Vail Mountain will begin scheduled operations for the 2009-2010 winter season on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. The resort will remain open daily through Sunday, April 18, 2010 with hours extending over the course of the season. Early- and late-season terrain offerings will be adjusted as weather and snow permit. Terrain, lifts, restaurants and other services will likely be limited during the first and last weeks of the season.

Blue Sky Basin Approaches 10th Anniversary
The 2009-2010 winter ski and snowboard season will mark the 10th anniversary of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin. The Skyline Express Lift (#37) and Earl’s Express Lift (#38) opened January 6, 2000, offering intermediate and expert skiers and riders a variety of moguls, glades, tree skiing, cliffs and ridges with a distinct backcountry feel.

2009-2010 Epic Season Pass
The Epic Season Pass (www.epicpass.com) is still available for the 2009-2010 winter season for $599 for adults and $299 for children, ages 5-12, for skiing and snowboarding at all five Vail Resorts – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly – as well as at Arapahoe Basin. Single-day and multi-day lift ticket pricing will be announced closer to opening day.

For more information about Vail Mountain, visit www.vail.com or call the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

Ski Magazine

2009-07-13T12:39:00.003-06:00

Check out SKI Magazine's Top 30 Resorts for 2008-09. http://www.skinet.com/travel/2008-09/ski-magazines-top-30-resorts-2008-09 Vail earned the #2 spot and Beaver Creek grabbed #6!

Colorado Blue Skies

2009-07-10T11:32:00.002-06:00

Summer Culture

2009-07-06T09:47:00.002-06:00

Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival is hosting FREE outdoor concerts in Vail. Join the Festival and musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Gore Creek Promenade for these afternoon programs:
Friday, July 10 - 2:30 p.m.
Philip Kates, Violin
Daniel Han, Violin

Sunday, July 11 at a time and location to be announced.

www.vailmusicfestival.org

May shows increase in sales and transactions

2009-07-01T13:15:00.001-06:00

May had 30% more transactions than our previous best month this year and the dollar volume showed an increase of 16%. 79 transactions were closed in May with a total sales volume of $70,751,600 which resulted in an average sales price of $895,590. Forty three percent of the transactions in May had a sales price less than $500,000. There was one sale over $3 million, a Chalet at Lodge at Vail that sold for $15.95 million.

Year-to-date the area with the most sales is Vail with 36. Vail is also the area with the highest dollar volume at $49,276,800.

Residential properties under $500,000 have accounted for the majority of sales of any price range so far this year with 65 transactions.

May Highlights:
Vail Village accounted for 31% of the total dollar volume with nearly $22 million in sales.
Vail Village also showed the highest average price, more than $5 million.
There were 34 multi-family homes that sold in May with an average sales price of more than $1.2 million.

- Information made available by Land Title Guarantee Company.

2009-06-25T15:42:00.006-06:00

Last night was one of those nights where, as a mother, I second guessed my efforts to take the boys out for a fun night. It's typically much less painful to stay home and stick to the usual routine....

BUT, the Vilar Center was offering a free showing of the popular movie "Kung Fu Panda" and I thought it would be fun to go. I bribed the boys to choke down an early dinner, resolved a quick fight over who got to wear which shoes and eventually managed to shoo us out the door and up the hill to Beaver Creek.

Thank goodness we went! What a neat event the Vilar offers for families on Wednesday nights. And if you haven’t seen “Kung Fu Panda” I highly suggest you do. There’s a lot to be learned from the lovable Panda Po and his ninja friends….. Here are some lessons that I was reminded of during my viewing:

- Believing that you are special is the only way that you will truly become special.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover.
- Different people often learn the same things in very different manners. What works for one, may not work for the other. The same is true for achieving accomplishments.
- Always keep a sense of humor and don’t give up when challenges arise.
- Parental pride is important, but it’s equally important to recognize when behavioral correction is necessary.
- Dare to dream.

I guess the moral of my story is this: I'm glad I didn't take the easy road last night. I'm glad we went out for a fun night. And I'm thankful that my role as a mother continues to keep me humble and serve as a reminder of life's important lessons.

Solaris

2009-06-21T16:48:00.003-06:00

This morning during the Vail Farmer's Market.

Come Ride with Me?

2009-06-19T13:18:00.005-06:00

Check out this article in Inman News:

REAL ESTATE PEDAL PUSHERS WHEEL AND DEAL

Agents, clients tour homes by bike

http://www.inman.com/news/2009/06/15/real-estate-pedal-pushers-wheel-and-deal

Ain't Life (in Eagle County) Grand?

2009-06-18T21:30:00.003-06:00

The boys and I took advantage of the "Free Family Fun Fair" in Edwards this past weekend. Kudos to the County for continuing to offer and sponser such fantastic family events! We had a great time and filled nearly four hours enjoying jumping castles, firetrucks, karate and magic shows, face painting, train rides and more!

Take a Hike

2009-06-18T15:10:00.005-06:00

"FAMILY FUN"

Well, mostly fun...the hike was fun. However, stopping to pose for a photo was apparently NOT fun for Luke.

(Grizzly Creek, Glenwood Canyon)

Friday Afternoon Club on Vail Mountain

2009-06-09T17:07:00.005-06:00

Kick off the weekends with Vail’s only mountaintop Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) at Adventure Ridge. FAC begins at 5 p.m. on Talon’s Deck and features live music from blues and bluegrass to rock and reggae, spectacular sunsets and food and drink specials. All performances are free and the Eagle Bahn Gondola offers free scenic rides after 4 p.m.
The 2009 band lineup includes:
July 3: Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk
July 10: Missed the Boat
July 17: All Strung Out
July 24: Matt Clark Band
July 31: Hustle
August 7: Missed the Boat
August 14: Mikee T & the Peaceful Warriors
August 21: Hustle
August 28: Matt Clark Band
September 4: All Strung Out

Stop by my office in Lionshead on your way to the Gondola to say "hi!"

Have home prices finally hit the bottom?

2009-06-04T13:32:00.005-06:00

This article from the Wall Street Journal suggests so.....
Moral of the story: It's a great time to buy real estate!

Index Suggests Home Sales Are Set to Increase
By JUSTIN LAHART

In another sign that the housing market may have begun to recover, the number of people who signed contracts to purchase homes increased for the third month in a row.

WSJ's Nick Timiraos says that there is more good news for housing as the pending home sales index has risen for the third straight month, but may not entirely be out of the woods yet.

The National Association of Realtors said its index of pending-home sales rose 6.7% in April to 90.3 from 84.6 in March. Increases in contract signings typically lead to more sales a month or two later.

The relationship between the two has been less steady since the fall, as more would-be home buyers have struggled to get financing. But the increase in signings is large enough to augur more home purchases, said Joshua Shapiro, an economist with MFR. "Clearly, within the next couple of months there's going to be a decent increase in actual home sales," he said.

Much of the April increase came from the Northeast, where contract signings rose 32.6%. Signings rose 9.8% in the Midwest and 1.8% in the West; they slipped 0.2% in the South.

Year over year, the index was up 3.2%. The 6.7% monthly increase was much larger than the 0.5% gain analysts had projected.

Last week, the Realtors said sales of previously owned homes rose in April, with sales of foreclosed and other distressed properties accounting for nearly half of the total. The Commerce Department said sales of new homes also edged higher in April.

—Jeff Bater contributed to this article.

Celebrating Life

2009-06-03T18:15:00.002-06:00

For those of you who don't know this about me....I love lists. And this one came to me from a friend via an email forward. It is fantastic! It was written by a columnist named Regina Brett from Ohio years ago. She wrote it in an effort to celebrate growing older:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, DON'T take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone and everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

A Day at the Range

2009-06-01T13:00:00.003-06:00

Managed Parking in Vail begins June 1

2009-06-01T12:55:00.001-06:00

From the Vail Chamber and Business Association:
While summer parking will remain free for the season in the Vail Village and LionsHead parking structures, the Town of Vail is preparing to implement a managed parking program beginning June 1 and extending to Labor Day that will cap the number of early morning spaces for use in the Village parking structure while additional spaces will open up later in the morning for visitors and later-arriving employees. The program was initiated last summer following complaints that parking spaces were being filled early in the morning with limited availability the remainder of the day.

The managed parking operations will take place in the Vail Village parking structure, but could be extended to the LionsHead structure, if needed, according to Mike Rose, Vail's parking and transit manager. The town will manage access to the Village parking structure on a daily basis, as follows: 6 to 7 a.m., 100 entries allowed; 7 to 8 a.m., another 100 entries allowed; 8 to 10 a.m., an additional 200 entries allowed. Also, the top deck of the structure will be blocked off until 10 a.m., leaving approximately 700 spaces available for mid-morning access.

In addition to the restrictions at the Village parking structure, Ford Park will be managed on peak days as identified in the annual Ford Park management plan, which includes a parking fee of $5 on 39 select days.

Bargain Hideaways

2009-05-27T11:06:00.001-06:00

(BARRON'S COVER ARTICLE OVER THE WEEKEND)

By KAREN HUBE

Snag summer swanky digs at a discount while you can, before the sector snaps back. And, frustrated sellers resort to creative means to move their mansions.
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB124303118257848425.html

Staycation

2009-05-21T06:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Can’t get out of town for holiday? Then take the opportunity to rediscover where you live. Stay home, but behave like you are on vacation. Try a Staycation! The Vail Valley is the perfect place to enjoy some time off. I feel very fortunate to reside in a section of this world that people often visit for vacation!

Vail at your Fingertips

2009-05-20T16:53:00.000-06:00

Did you know that you can search all active real estate listings in the Vail Valley on my website?
Go nuts!

www.mollyolmsted.com

Good News for Colorado Real Estate!

2009-05-20T13:18:00.000-06:00

According to a report on The Today Show, Denver is the #1 city in our recovering real estate market!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30825142#30825142

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2009-05-20T10:42:00.000-06:00

My boys recently “graduated” from preschool. For the ceremony, their teachers instructed them to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up. Hmmm….......? My initial reaction to this request was: I hope my kids want to be nice, loving, loyal, hard-working and honest when they grow up.....what kind of costume designates those qualities? I reworded the question to them to be: “what kind of job might you want to have when you get bigger?” I attended the graduation as the proud mom of a future Spiderman and Storm Trooper ! Dare to dream! :)

Luke the Storm Trooper doing his best rendition of a tuna in the class performance "Slippery Fish."

Andrew aka Spiderman, as animated as ever.

Buy a Raffle Ticket and Win a Home in Vail!?

2009-05-20T10:02:00.000-06:00

It's true...spend $100 on a raffle ticket and you'll be eligible to win the Grand Prize of a $1.3 million vacation home in Vail, Colorado; one of the most desirable resort destinations in the world! Plus, you’ll receive $450,000 in additional cash! The Grand Prize home is located less than 1 mile from the world-renowned slopes of the Vail ski resort. For more information, go to www.winahomeinvail.com.

Remember to stop and smell the flowers!

2009-05-04T10:45:00.000-06:00

Each off-season, I make a conscious effort to slow down and spend extra time doing fun things with those I cherish. Last week, the boys and I packed a picnic lunch and headed for the park. It was Earth Day. We met some ladies who were handing out flowers to all of the kids with a note on them about recycling. My boys thought it was so cool to have been given flowers, and like true little gentleman, couldn’t wait to share their flowers with me.

Life is short. And life is precious. And it’s often things like stopping to smell a flower from your super excited five year-old that puts it all into perspective. Happy off-season to you. Make the most of it.

High-end sales resort to auction

2009-05-03T16:31:00.000-06:00

Tough times call for creative measures! Just announced....SSF adds auction division to real estate repertoire.

http://www.denverpost.com/economy/ci_12277599
Putting a home up for bid in a slow market can hurry along a sale.